Andre Viljoen, the Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, is set to step down from his position in October 2025 after a decade of leadership. He will be transitioning to the role of CEO at Air Mauritius, marking a significant career move as he returns to his homeland.
Nalin Patel, Chairman of Fiji Airways, expressed deep appreciation for Viljoen’s outstanding contributions during his tenure. Under his guidance, the airline has experienced remarkable growth, with its SKYTRAX rating rising to 4 stars and its global ranking improving dramatically from 102nd in 2015 to an impressive 14th in 2024. Fiji Airways has also been honored as the ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years and has achieved the APEX 5-Star Major Airline rating for three years running.
During Viljoen’s leadership, Fiji Airways expanded its fleet from 12 to 24 aircraft, which now includes four new-generation Airbus A350s, further enhancing its operational capabilities. Furthermore, the airline’s annual revenue has surged from $815.3 million in 2015 to a projected $1.9 billion in 2024, showcasing financial success alongside operational expansion.
A notable achievement under Viljoen’s direction was the establishment of the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, equipped with four state-of-the-art full-flight simulators. This initiative not only enhanced pilot training standards but has also supported many Fijians in their journey to becoming airline captains, while attracting major third-party clients such as Air Tahiti, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
To ensure continuity, Viljoen will remain on the Board of Directors of Fiji Airways after his transition, alleviating concerns about any potential conflict of interest, as both airlines operate in different markets. The airline plans to conduct a comprehensive search for his successor, advertising the position both locally and internationally.
This leadership change reflects an opportunity for Fiji Airways to continue its forward momentum and maintain its commitment to excellence, innovation, and local talent development in the aviation industry. The future appears bright for Fiji Airways, as it strives to build upon its achievements and embrace new avenues for collaboration and growth in the dynamic aviation sector.
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